Get the official SA Government mobile app

Government condemns incidents of looting during protests

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Pretoria - Government has strongly condemned the recent incidents of looting and destruction of property that have been reported over the past weeks in areas that have been affected by protests across the country.

This follows the latest riots and looting that took place in Diepsloot on Tuesday night, where a police officer was killed, two others disarmed, an ambulance damaged and a fire department vehicle stoned.

The protests were reportedly as a result of the community not having power and water for the past three days.

Acting Director-General of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Donald Liphoko, said: “Government wishes to reiterate that although people have the right to protest, they should do so within the confines of the law and without infringing on the rights of others.

“Those found to be committing acts of criminality will be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies.

“As we approach the local government elections we also call upon the public to support government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in ensuring the safety of citizens as well as free and fair elections.

“We cannot accept wrongdoing in communities in the guise of service delivery protest and will do all in our power to ensure the stability and security of citizens”.

Members of communities are urged to report acts of criminality to the Crime Stop at 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

SA News on Facebook

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Minister Senzeni Zokwana says he is aware of the challenges that the current determined Total Allowable Catch and Effort (TAC/E) cuts will have on the industry, specifically the fishing communities.
This follows the department’s announcement of the TAC/E for the West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) s... See more

The Compensation Fund will embark on a four-day Community Outreach Campaign in the Free State towns of Viljoenskroon, Hertzogville and Hoopstad this week.
The campaign is hosted in conjunction with other branches of the department such as the Inspection and Enforcement Services, Public Employment Services, as well as the Unemployment In... See more

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has urged former newspaper editor Angela Quintal to provide her version of events following her recent detention in Tanzania.
Quintal and her Kenyan colleague Muthoki Mumo were detained in the country’s capital two weeks ago following what the local authorities call an “imm... See more

Eskom is currently not load shedding and the forecast for it is low for the rest of the week.
The power system remains tight, the power utility said on Monday. This comes after load shedding was implemented on Sunday.
“The wider context for the tight system performance is that our generation system currently faces operational challenge... See more